Local Briefs

Adams learns entire HR Derby field

UL sophomore outfielder Caleb Adams was announced Wednesday as one of eight players to compete in the 2013 TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby contest, making him the first Ragin' Cajuns invited in the 4-year-old event.

The derby will be actually be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and then will be aired at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 on ESPN.

"It's great for Caleb to be able to go to such a great venue," UL coach Tony Robichaux said. "We all aspire to get there and this gives him that opportunity. Tyler Girouard will be going as his thrower, so this will give two of our guys the chance to go to the ballpark and the opportunity to be in Omaha. That's where we want to be next year. Once they have seen it, smelled it and tasted it, it will benefit our team."

Adams finished the season ranked ninth in the country with 16 home runs including three in postseason play. The Texarkana, Texas native finished the year with a .339 average driving in 55 runs on 64 hits with nine doubles and a triple to go with his 16 home runs. Adams also slugged .651 during the season which ranked 16th in the nation while posting a .435 on base percentage.

"This is also a testament to the time that our coaching staff, coach (Matt) Deggs, coach (Anthony) Babineaux and coach (Lance) Harvell have put into these guys to make them better hitters," Robichaux noted.

The TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby includes three rounds of play: Round 1 featuring all contestants, Round 2 featuring the top four after Round 1 and Round 3 featuring the top two after Round 2. In each round, contestants will be challenged to hit as many home runs as they can before logging 10 "outs," or hits that do not result in a home run. Balls reaching the warning track will not count as an "out," giving players another opportunity at bat. Additionally, following the 10th and final out of each "at bat," contestants will have an opportunity to hit a home run with the 'Bonus Ball.' If successful, the special ball will tack two additional home runs onto the contestant's total score.

Tickets are $8 for children, $12 for adults or $35 for a `Family Four-Pack' and may be purchased in-person from the CenturyLink Center arena box offices, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or online at www.collegehomerunderby.com. Handling fees will apply to those tickets purchased over the phone or online.